Burnley brain tumour victim attacked

A brain tumour sufferer was attacked by her partner of 20 years, who punched her head and kicked her while she was on the floor.

Drunk David Blunt (58), who had been drinking cider, became angry and demanded Pauline Green make him drinks and sandwiches. Miss Green suffered swelling to her eye, a small cut and some bruising.

She has made it clear she has forgiven him and she does want him back

Solicitor Jasmine Basnyet

At Burnley Magistrates’ Court, Blunt, from Burnley, but of no fixed address, admitted assault by beating, on June 2nd. He was given a 12-month community order, with a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement and fined £100, with a £60 statutory surcharge, £85 costs and a £150 criminal court charge.

On June 2nd the victim was woken by the defendant who said the gas was not working. He was angry. She went to buy a video, returned and the defendant was going to sleep. He kept waking up and demanding food and drink. He then became very angry, punched her in the face, pulled her to the floor and hit her a second time before kicking her. Miss Green left and asked a passer-by for help.

The hearing was told when Blunt was questioned by police, he said: “She hit me, I hit her, I can’t remember.” He had had two to three litres of Frosty Jack cider and claimed they were both alcohol dependent. He was challenged about his claim the victim hit him with a pan and cut his eyebrow and answered: “No, it’s my fault. I shouldn’t have retaliated when she hit me.” He apologised and said he wasn’t proud of himself.

The court heard Miss Green told police she felt she had contributed to winding Blunt up, as she had lost her mother and was under a lot a stress. She wanted them to stay together as she relied on him a lot and he assisted her.

“He had taken full responsibility for the assault and shown his remorse. She has made it clear she has forgiven him and she does want him back.”

Blunt had been referred for anger management classes and had been to Inspire for alcohol treatment. “He’s now prepared to take the first steps towards trying to end his relationship with alcohol.”

District Judge James Clarke told Blunt: “This is a lady who has a significant injury to her brain and you punched her to the head and kicked her while she was on the floor. You’re responsible for this situation. Miss Green is not.”